Cortland Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cortland has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, marketing, finance, human resources, and operations.

Driven by innovation, Cortland is dedicated to revolutionizing the multifamily real estate sector through integrated design, construction, and management services, fostering sustainable growth and exceptional resident experiences.

Leadership Roles at Cortland

  • Chief Executive Officer - Stephen DeFrancis
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Mike Levy
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sandra Kim
  • Executive Business Partner To the President - Karen Sheldon
  • President, Operations - Juan Bueno
  • President, Investment Management - Jason Kern
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott Moore
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Carol Hoeller
  • Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff - Thomas Kramer
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kevin Ingham
  • Stephen DeFrancis - Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen DeFrancis, the Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the global multifamily real estate investment firm. DeFrancis guides the company's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with its mission to deliver exceptional living experiences. Overseeing all major business units, the Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that leverage proprietary design and integrated supply chains, including in-house construction, property, and facilities management services. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence across all global operations. By setting the strategic vision, Stephen DeFrancis ensures Cortland maintains its competitive edge and continues its trajectory of sustainable growth in the real estate market.

    Mike Levy - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Mike Levy, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, holds ultimate responsibility for the firm's strategic direction and ownership structure. Levy's leadership guides the company's long-term vision, focusing on sustainable growth and value creation within the multifamily real estate sector. As Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Mike Levy ensures the company's operations, including its proprietary design, construction, property, and facilities management services, adhere to the highest standards of quality and efficiency. This executive oversees the integration of all business functions to support the company's mission of providing superior resident experiences. Through strategic oversight, Levy drives Cortland's market impact and financial performance.

    Sandra Kim - Chief Financial Officer

    Sandra Kim, the Chief Financial Officer at Cortland, manages the company's financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation for its global real estate investments. Kim oversees financial planning and analysis, ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving profitability across all business segments. This role is critical in supporting Cortland's integrated approach to design, construction, and property management. The Chief Financial Officer plays a key part in securing funding for new projects and managing investor relations, aligning financial strategies with the company's growth objectives. By maintaining robust financial controls and driving strategic financial decisions, Sandra Kim ensures Cortland's sustained economic health and market leadership.
    Sandra Kim

    Karen Sheldon - Executive Business Partner To the President

    Karen Sheldon, the Executive Business Partner To the President at Cortland, provides comprehensive support to the President, managing key administrative functions and facilitating operational workflows. Sheldon ensures efficient coordination of executive priorities and strategic projects, contributing to the smooth operation of Cortland's multifamily real estate business. This role involves managing communications, scheduling, and logistical support to enhance executive productivity and decision-making. The Executive Business Partner To the President acts as a key point of contact, streamlining processes and ensuring alignment across various departments. By optimizing executive support, Karen Sheldon directly contributes to the effective execution of Cortland's business strategies and its commitment to operational excellence.

    Juan Bueno - President, Operations

    Juan Bueno, the President, Operations at Cortland, directs the company's extensive operational activities, including property management, facilities services, and construction execution. Bueno oversees the implementation of Cortland's proprietary operational models, ensuring efficiency and quality across its global portfolio. This leadership role is crucial for delivering exceptional resident experiences and maintaining the integrity of the company's assets. The President, Operations drives initiatives that optimize resource allocation and enhance service delivery within the multifamily real estate sector. By focusing on operational excellence and continuous improvement, Juan Bueno ensures Cortland's properties are managed effectively and its construction projects are completed to the highest standards.

    Jason Kern - President, Investment Management

    Jason Kern, the President, Investment Management at Cortland, leads the firm's investment strategies and portfolio management, driving capital deployment and asset performance. Kern oversees the acquisition and disposition of multifamily properties, ensuring alignment with Cortland's investment objectives and market insights. This executive role is central to expanding the company's real estate holdings and maximizing returns for stakeholders. The President, Investment Management directs market analysis and due diligence processes, identifying opportunities for growth and value creation. By managing the investment lifecycle, Jason Kern ensures Cortland's sustained success and its position as a leading multifamily real estate investor.

    Scott Moore - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott Moore, the Chief Technology Officer at Cortland, architects and executes the company's technology strategy, driving digital transformation across all business units. Moore oversees the development and implementation of innovative technological solutions that enhance operational efficiency and resident experience within the multifamily real estate sector. This role involves managing the integration of advanced systems for property management, construction, and investment analysis. The Chief Technology Officer ensures Cortland's technology infrastructure supports its proprietary design and supply chain initiatives, fostering a data-driven approach to decision-making. By championing technological advancements, Scott Moore strengthens Cortland's competitive position and operational capabilities.

    Carol Hoeller - Chief Marketing Officer

    Carol Hoeller, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cortland, directs the company's comprehensive marketing and brand strategy, focusing on enhancing market presence and resident engagement. Hoeller oversees the development and execution of campaigns that communicate Cortland's value proposition in the multifamily real estate market. This leadership position involves shaping the brand narrative and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms, supporting the company's mission of delivering exceptional living experiences. The Chief Marketing Officer collaborates with other executives to align marketing efforts with business development and operational goals, particularly in promoting proprietary design and integrated services. Through strategic marketing initiatives, Carol Hoeller drives brand recognition and customer loyalty.
    Carol Hoeller

    Thomas Kramer - Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Thomas Kramer, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Cortland, spearheads critical strategic initiatives and provides operational support to executive leadership. Kramer oversees the planning and execution of key projects that advance Cortland's business objectives within the multifamily real estate sector. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementation of new strategies and operational improvements. The Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff acts as a liaison between departments, facilitating communication and driving alignment on complex initiatives. By managing strategic priorities and operational efficiency, Thomas Kramer directly contributes to Cortland's mission of delivering exceptional resident experiences and sustainable growth.

    Kevin Ingham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kevin Ingham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cortland, leads the company's human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee engagement. Ingham oversees the creation and implementation of HR policies that support Cortland's culture of innovation and operational excellence. This executive is responsible for fostering a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent across all global operations, including construction, property, and facilities management. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that HR initiatives align with the company's mission to deliver superior resident experiences and drive business growth. By championing employee development and organizational effectiveness, Kevin Ingham strengthens Cortland's workforce and its overall market position.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Real Estate

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cortland Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cortland?
    Cortland is led by Stephen DeFrancis (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mike Levy (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Sandra Kim (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cortland’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cortland includes leaders such as Stephen DeFrancis (Chief Executive Officer), Mike Levy (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Sandra Kim (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cortland have?
    Cortland has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cortland’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cortland includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Business Partner To the President, President, Operations.